From Your Personal Shopper in Paris: Chanel acquires Scottish cashmere firm Barrie

Luxury goods firm Chanel has bought the Barrie Knitwear cashmere mill in the Scottish Borders, following the collapse of owner Dawson International.

The deal is expected to secure all 176 jobs based in Hawick.

Barrie Knitwear was a trading division of Dawson International, which was placed in administration in August because of the size of its pension liabilities.

Chanel fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky said: “The acquisition of Barrie business by Chanel is all the more natural as the factory has worked with us for more than 25 years, producing cashmere knitwear including Chanel’s iconic two-tone cashmere cardigans.

“Through this acquisition, we reaffirm our commitment to traditional expertise and craftsmanship, and our wish to safeguard their future and support their development.”

Chanel said Barrie would continue to “pursue its partnerships with all major luxury brands, with no exclusivity” and grow its own brands presence around the world.

From Your Personal Shopper in Milan: Fashion Veterans Launch New Label Buchanan & Zavala

There’s a new knit in town that is sure to turn heads: Buchanan & Zavala launches its high-end, luxury knitwear collection. The contemporary line appeals to today’s modern woman offering style, comfort and a splash of attitude available for the fall/winter 2011-2012 season. The collection consists of eight silhouettes featuring 60 pieces with prices ranging from $325 to $1,895.

Buchanan & Zavala was born from a combination of industry veterans and powerful executives and has the backing of one of the biggest department stores in the United States: Neiman Marcus.

President and Chief Executive Officer Soo Buchanan collaborated with Executive Vice President of R&D/Operations Roberto Zavala and Vice President of Design Maria Lopez, both former St. John executives, to create a line that provides a wider breadth of selection in the luxury knitwear category. The result is modern classics with flair and also a forgiving fit. These defining characteristics combined with meticulous detailing give each piece its own unique one-of- a-kind feel. The designs carry a rich look and sumptuous texture with sleek lines, modern cuts and intricately knitted yarns.

“My vision for Buchanan & Zavala is sophisticated, stylish yet simple fashion for today’s woman; comfortable for her fast paced lifestyle and beautifully designed,” said Buchanan & Zavala President and CEO Soo Buchanan. “We have assembled a considerable team, with the industry’s foremost design, yarn and manufacturing experts. Women can look forward to great things from the Buchanan & Zavala label.”

Buchanan & Zavala has been meticulous in ensuring that every aspect of the garment is of the utmost quality. The label incorporates the latest in knitting and strives to stay ahead of the technology with its association with the global industry leaders. Using the finest base and accent yarns from Italy and the U.S., and with manufacturing done all in the U.S., Buchanan & Zavala creates textures, colors and structures that not only look sensational, but keep their shape and comfort.